AAKANKSHA SINGH, who trained in hockey for Tamil debut, speaks with SHALINI SAKSENA about working with Big B and Ajay Devgn among other things
You have been shooting, how high is the paranoia?
It is there and we have to take care of ourselves and be attentive as much as possible. As actors, it is tough to to be put shooting but with everybody around, we have to and are following very strict COVID protocol. This makes things a bit easy.
What is Clap about?
It’s a sports drama — bilingual movie. I am opposite Aadhi Pinnisetty While the film is about sprinting, I play a national level hockey player.
You rigorously trained for it. How tough was it?
If one wants to play a sport, one must start learning the game at an early age. Hockey, I would say is one of the toughest games. During my training, even though I had a coach and practised for two months in Chennai. The toughest thing, initially, was how to hold the stick and run on the ground. This was difficult; my wrist would pain. Slowly, I got used to things.
How did you come on board for the project?
This is my Tamil debut but third film in Telugu. I was in Mumbai when the director came to me for a narration. I don’t know how he zeroed in on me. When I heard the story, I knew that I wanted to do it. I loved playing a sportsperson. There is an emotional aspect to the character I play; it has been beautifully written character.
Would you agree that roles for women have expanded?
I totally agree. People are now writing movies for women and such movies are much appreciated. This is a great time for all the women actors. As for me, I choose films that talks about my character so that people see me and not just someone playing one particular role and dancing around the trees. Those days are gone. There should be no distinction between female or male actor; we are all actors.
What’s your role in Mayday?
I play opposite Ajay (Devgn) sir. It is a kind of debut in Hindi cinema. My role in Badrinath Ki Dulhania was very small.
Big B wrote to you. Tell us about that.
While I was shooting for Mayday, I received a handwritten letter from him in Hindi, in his typical poetic style. I was so excited that I took to social media to express my excitement and gratitude. I couldn’t have asked for more.
How was the experience of working with Big B and Ajay Devgn?
Both are brilliant actors. It was in my bucket list to act with Bachchan sir. There was so much to learn from them. Watching Bachchan sir act, to rehearse even today, at his level, was amazing. It was great to watch Devgn sir direct with 12 cameras and act at the same time.
How did acting happen?
My sister was doing a play and offered me a role. I refused but she forced me. The experience of a live audience was brilliant. When I was in college, I got a call for an audition. I got selected and within eight days, I landed in Mumbai and never left. My life is acting now.
